Family Retreat

hosted by The Milky Way

2026 {online}

🤩 The Teachers 

🖥️ How it Works 
  

💬 FAQ 

Save $100

Ready to fall in love with your family sessions?

20 of the world's best family photography educators.

All Online. No travel required.

Trusted by photographers for 10 years ~ because it works.

Say no more, I'm Ready!

Sign up early + save $100!

$397 USD

"Been doing these retreats since 2019 and still feel like I learn more each and every time." 
~ Brittany M

"This is a game changing experience- learning how to make those real connections!!" 
~Leigh Ann A

"I feel like I'm actually starting to find my style  - I've also never booked so many clients in such a short amount of time."
~Teigan S

You love photography.

But family sessions?

Sometimes they feel chaotic, stressful, or just... meh.

"Meh" is NOT why you picked up a camera. 






You get to go behind-the-scenes with 20 of the world's best family photography educators.

See how they run their sessions and why.

This online retreat works.

You get to go behind-the-scenes with 20 of the world's best family photography educators.

See how they run their sessions and why.

Here's the thing...

It's the opposite of gatekeeping -  just honest, generous teaching from people who genuinely want you to become the best version of a family photographer you want to be.

All inside a kind, safe community that shows up for you on the hard days and celebrates with you on the best ones.

Yes! Sign me up!

This retreat works.

Do any of these sound familiar?

01

Your sessions are fine. Your clients are happy. But something feels a little off and you can't quite put your finger on it.

02

You never quite know how to get your clients to relax and just be themselves.

03

Your work is starting to look the same. Same locations, same poses. You're bored, and you're pretty sure it's starting to show.

04

You leave sessions relieved it's over instead of excited about the gallery.

If so, you're in the right place.

Let me ask you a question....

Press play for a peek inside!

It's not a course with modules and checkboxes.

It's more like being invited to sit in with 20 different photographers while they work. Real sessions. Real families. Real decisions happening in real time. No scripts, no polish.

You watch how they direct a reluctant dad. How they handle a toddler who's done. How they find light in a regular kitchen or build a fine art concept from scratch.

That's the transformation this retreat is actually about. Not more information.

A clearer sense of your own creative direction.

Here's what the online retreat actually is.

You walk into sessions knowing what you're doing - not hoping it comes together. 

Your galleries feel intentional - like you made choices, not just captured moments.

You stop second-guessing every shot.

You know how to create real connection, not just posed smiles.

By the time you finish this retreat...

You find yourself genuinely excited to pick up your camera again.

 🙌

☺️

 😍

 📸

"Each time I walk away feeling inspired, encouraged, and creatively recharged.
 
They've pushed me to grow, to see differently, and to create with more intention - and my business has truly bloomed because of it."


— Caroline T, Past Retreater

Yes! I'm ready for this!

Everything's online

Get every lesson from every instructor
-ready with the click of a mouse any time you want to watch. No travel required. 

Here's how it works.

01

Learn on your schedule

Videos are released May 28th. Watch all 20 any time, in any order, as many times as you want.

02

Lifetime Access (with downloads)

Enjoy lifetime access + unlimited replays. Download to watch on the go (once ticket is paid in full).

03

Connect with community

Teachers are inside the Facebook group for 3 weeks to answer questions about their class.

04

(...and what you'll be learning!)

Meet your 20 incredible instructors

How to Move Between Direction and Play to Get the Most Out of Every Family Session

Colorado mountains. Two kids. A photographer who knows exactly when to step in and when to get out of the way. Shannon shows you her complete approach from the first frame to the final edit — and how that balance between direction and freedom is where the best images live.

Editing shown: Yes

Shannon McTighe Photography

How to Create Family Images Full of Natural Emotion and Real Connection

Slow down, get present, and shoot from the heart. Sarah shows you how to create the kind of images that don't just look beautiful — they feel like the family actually lived them.

Editing shown: Yes

My Four Hens Photography

How to Tell a Big Story
 in a Small Timeline

More time doesn't mean better images. Ang shows you how to move through a session with intention, prioritize the shots that matter, and walk away with a complete, varied gallery — without rushing a single moment.

Editing shown: Yes

Myrtle & Moss Photography

Sweet Soul Studio

Fun and fine art aren't opposites. Kirsty shows you how a personality-filled studio session becomes a series of images that look like they belong in a gallery - and walks you through her fine-art editing process that gets them there.

Editing shown: Yes

How to Guide a Creative Shoot while Creating the Magic in the Culling & Presentation.

Stormy shows you the angles, light, and choices she makes when she's actively pushing herself to see differently, then walks you through culling and selection so you understand not just what she captured, but why she kept it.

She closes with her approach to marketing from the images you just watched her make.

Stormy Solis Photography

How to Create a Fun, Story-Driven Fine-Art Session

"My sessions are now filled with laughter and love and I have fallen for the art of family photography.  I owe it all to this retreat."

— Mallory J, Past Retreater

Yes! I'm ready to love my sessions!I'm Ready to do this!

How to Create a Styled Lifestyle Session
With a Story

Baby chicks in a greenhouse. A gender reveal cake. A family wrapped up in the sweetest moment of their life. Annie shows you how to build a session so layered with personal detail and creative intention that every single image has something worth looking at.

Editing shown: Yes

Annie Nelson Photography

How to Create a Nostalgic, Cinema-Inspired Portrait at Home

Your kitchen has more potential than you think. Robin shows you how to find the light, arrange the environment, and place your subjects to create something that feels less like a family photo and more like a still from a film  - then walks you through her complete Lightroom and Photoshop edit so you can see exactly how the final frame comes together.

Editing shown: Yes

Robin Fox Photography

How to Find and Shoot
Love in Unusual Places

The best couples images don't happen at the same park everyone else uses. Melissa shows you how to find the hidden, the unexpected, and the cinematic — and turn a location into a feeling that lingers long after the session ends.

MMB Photography

How to Honor Diversity in Your Family
Photography Work

Diversity in family photography goes deeper than how people look. Amy shows you why it matters, why documentary style is the easiest and most genuine way to achieve it, and walks you through her full cull and edit so every image serves the story of the family in front of your lens.

Editing shown: Yes

Amy Dangerfield Photography

How to Create and Market One Photography Offer From Start to Finish

No more guessing where to start or what comes next. Fiona walks you through a clear, complete example of building a photography offer and mapping out exactly how to market it — so you leave with a path you can actually follow.

Fiona Margo Photography

How to Photograph Families With Connection, Creativity, and Confidence

Real laughter. Kids doing their thing. Parents who actually relax. Becca shows you how to guide a family session so naturally it never feels like one — and how to use creative tools like prisms and Lensbaby lenses to add visual interest without losing the moment.

Editing shown: Yes

Becca Jean Photography

"This was such a game-changer for me. My confidence grew so much, and I've seen a big improvement in my photos, both technically and creatively."

— Kamila L, Past Retreater

I'm ready to get my ticket!

How to Photograph Neurodivergent Children

The preparation, the communication, the approach. Christa gives you everything you need to walk into any session with a neurodivergent child feeling ready — and create lifestyle images that feel relaxed, genuine, and amazing.

Editing shown: Yes

Christa Paustenbaugh Photography

How to Create a Fine Art Maternity Portrait From Start to Finish

Cherry blossoms, studio light, and a clear creative vision. Lindsey walks you through every decision — the pose, the light, the edit — so you understand exactly how a fine art maternity image gets made from the first idea to the final file.

Editing shown: Yes

Lindsey Lee Photography

How to Shoot  Sessions That Are Unmistakably Yours

Your work should look like you made it, not like you found it on Pinterest. Jackie walks you through building a creative session with a point of view so people know it's yours before they even see your name.

Editing shown: Yes

Jackie Jean Photography

Liz DeVinny Photography

How to Create Senior Portraits That Are Cinematic, Intentional, and Completely Unforgettable

Location scouting, styling, natural light, off-camera flash, dual-light setups with smoke. Liz walks you through every single decision in a complete senior session — so you leave knowing exactly how to create portraits that feel less like a school requirement and more like a movie still.

Editing shown: Yes

Anna Kruse Photography

How to Create a Session So Personal It Becomes a Family Heirloom

A barn. Two babies. Animals that don't take direction. Anna shows you how to step into someone's real life, photograph the everyday magic they've stopped seeing, and create a gallery so meaningful the family will hand it down.

Editing shown: Yes

Tiffany Crenshaw Edu / Animal House Photography

How to Build a Client Membership That Creates Sustainable Income All Year Long

Stop riding the feast and famine cycle. Tiffany shows you how to build a membership model that keeps clients coming back, creates predictable income every single month, and lets you actually plan your year.

How to Build a Branding Photography Business That Gets You Hired Again and Again

Great branding work gets referrals. Renee walks you through the session, the delivery, and the client experience that makes people send their entire network straight to you.

Renee Bowen, Photography
and Coaching

How to Create a Styled Beach Session That Looks Like It Belongs in a Magazine

The light, the styling, the sea. Iuliia shows you how to bring a creative vision to the beach and come home with images so stunning people genuinely ask if they're real.

Editing shown: Yes

Pastell Studio

How to Shoot Motherhood Sessions With Intention

The outdoor light, the studio setup, the edit, and the connection that makes a mother actually feel seen. Kristin walks you through her entire approach so you understand not just how she does it — but why it works.

Editing shown: Yes

 Magnolia Grey Images

Family Retreat

2026 {online}

Ready to feel inspired again?

3 monthly payments

$297

$99

single payment

Join for $99 today →

Yes - let's do this!

USD

USD

Retreat videos released May 28th

Sign up early + save $100!

$397 USD

"Can I just say that this retreat was SO WORTH the investment! I'm starting to get to where I'm truly proud of my work."

~ Nicole, Repeat Retreater

"Love these. Even as I continue to grow I will continue to invest. There's always something new to learn."

~ Letty,  Repeat Retreater

"Investing in the retreat was a great decision, and I’m thrilled with the fresh ideas it’s given me."

~ Stephanie, Past Retreater

I started the Family Retreat 10 years ago because I genuinely believe the fastest way to grow as a photographer is to watch other photographers work.

Not tutorials. Not theory. Actually watching someone make real decisions in a real session with a real family that isn't cooperating.

There's no one right way to do this work. This retreat reminds you of that — and gives you 20 different examples of what that can look like.

I'm really glad you found this.

This      for you if:

is

You've ever walked into a session and thought, okay... now what?

You want more emotion in your images but aren't always sure how to get there.

Your work is starting to feel repetitive, even if your clients still love it.

You find yourself looking at other photographers' work and wondering what they're doing differently.

You want to feel confident directing families instead of hoping it all comes together.

You don't need to become a different kind of photographer.

You just need to see some new possibilities.


Yes! This is for me!

What are past retreaters saying...

Over 28,600 students have experienced our online retreats + classes...

So now you have 2 choices!

You *could* pay a similar price for just ONE in-depth lesson or try to cobble things together from random YouTube videos and Reels.

Or....

You can get LIFETIME access to all 20 incredible classes that you can revisit time and again as you need it in your business.

Yes! I'm ready!

"All I can say is DONT skip this!! It's invaluable! I've learned so much and still learning more every day."

~ Bridget B, Past Retreater

"It's worth every penny!
The Milky Way has helped my business evolve so much."

~ Whitney, Repeat Retreater

"....it's beyond my expectations. I've already learned so much."

~ Norah T, Past Retreater

Pull up a chair. You belong here.

The 2026 Family Retreat. 20 photographers.
Lifetime access. All from home.


3 monthly payments

$297

$99

single payment

Join for $99 today →

Yes - let's do this!

USD

USD

Videos release May 28th · Lifetime access · Download to keep forever


Videos release May 28th
Lifetime access


Sign up early + save $100!

$397 USD

If you went to an in-person conference, it could cost you $2,800+ once you factor in the price of the ticket, airfare, accommodation and meals.  

(And while we love in-person events, it's nice to be able to learn from home, on YOUR schedule, with videos - all for a fraction of the price!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I HAVE to be online at a certain time?

Q: Can I download the videos?

Q: Is there a Retreat Facebook community?

Q: Does this have captions?  subtitles?

Q: How long are the videos?

Q: How does the payment plan work?

Q: How long do I have access?

Q: Is there tax added?

Yes! Once your retreat experience has been paid in full (for those on the payment plan), you can download the videos so you have them for life. You'll also enjoy lifetime access to the videos on our member site.

Have another question?  Email lisa@themilkyway.ca

Q: Do I HAVE to be online at a certain time?

Q: Can I download the videos?

Q: Is there a Retreat Facebook community?

Q: Does this have captions?  subtitles?

Q: How long are the videos?

Q: How does the payment plan work?

Q: How long do I have access?

Q: Is there tax added?

We'll be hosting a bonus Facebook group. To participate, there is a set of community guidelines to follow (basically - be awesome!), but those who are not awesome, will be asked to leave. Teachers will answer questions until June 17th, 2026 and other conversations will continue until the group is archived before the 2027 retreat gets underway.

Have another question?  Email lisa@themilkyway.ca

Q: Do I HAVE to be online at a certain time?

Q: Can I download the videos?

Q: Is there a Retreat Facebook community?

Q: Does this have captions?  subtitles?

Q: How long are the videos?

Q: How does the payment plan work?

Q: How long do I have access?

Q: Is there tax added?

Teacher videos will range from 45-120 minutes. Some will be video footage of the instructor in action showing specific posing and lighting techniques, while other topics will be presented in a slideshow or screen share format.

Have another question?  Email lisa@themilkyway.ca

Q: Do I HAVE to be online at a certain time?

Q: Can I download the videos?

Q: Is there a Retreat Facebook community?

Q: Does this have captions?  subtitles?

Q: How long are the videos?

Q: How does the payment plan work?

Q: How long do I have access?

Q: Is there tax added?

If you opt for the payment plan, your first payment comes out at registration with following payments coming out automatically every 30 days. (using the same payment method as you used at sign-up).

You will have access to the retreat experience as soon as it's released - however, the download links will not be activated until the final payment has been made.

Have another question?  Email lisa@themilkyway.ca

Q: Do I HAVE to be online at a certain time?

Q: Can I download the videos?

Q: Is there a Retreat Facebook community?

Q: Does this have captions?  subtitles?

Q: How long are the videos?

Q: How does the payment plan work?

Q: How long do I have access?

Q: Is there tax added?

 If you have the good fortune of living in Canada, then yes, there will be GST and/or HST charged. If your business is registered, it is more of a 'paper shuffle' with the CRA vs added cost. If you don't have a business tax ID, we know tax can seem like a bummer, but think of all the wonderful things it provides....free healthcare tops our list!

Have another question?  Email lisa@themilkyway.ca